Wilde Rover

Curried chips and whiskey cocktails in Kirkland. Could life be any sweeter?

Oh, to have the metabolism of a 22-year-old. A group of twentysomething guys was sitting near us at three-month-old Wilde Rover during early happy hour (4–6 p.m. daily and again from 10 p.m. till midnight), and we couldn't believe the amount of beer and cheap eats they were putting away. It made our spread of curried chips ($2.50), a sizable Caesar salad ($1.95), and a vegetable pasty ($3.95) look measly. No matter, we soon focused on our "adult" conversation, the pleasant outdoor patio, and the discounted specialty drinks in front of us. My Curragh ($6.50), a pint-sized cocktail with Jameson Irish Whiskey, Celtic Crossing liqueur, fresh mint, and soda water, had a great kick to it. I didn't dig my sig O's Celtic Cooler ($6.50) as much, but super-sweet lemonade—even when mixed with vodka, cranberry, and mint—has never been my thing. You must order the curried chips. As authentically Irish as the pub itself, they are a messy blend of bright yellow goop on top of soft French fries. It sounds gross, but the creamy, slightly spicy sauce with the starchy fries is an unbeatable combo. I would recommend the salad, too—what a deal—but not the pasty (a small, savory pie), which seemed to be mainly crust and gravy. Menu options such as Guinness lamb stew ($4.95), sausage rolls ($3.95), and whiskey wings ($4.95) will provide a protein fix for lads and lassies on the prowl. MOLLY LORI 111 Central Way, 425-822-8940, www.wilderover.com. KIRKLAND